Beam elements is a powerful tool within ANSYS Workbench that converts a complicated tube/bar structure into a set of "beams" for analysis. This simplifies the mathematical model by treating each member of the part as a simple beam under load, and greatly decreases solve times. Note that beam elements is best suited for space-frame structures, like a vehicle chassis.
These steps were written for ANSYS 17.1 - the process should remain similar in more recent version of ANSYS.
Reference Geometry
In solidworks, create a 3D sketch of the chassis, with only line elements. Save the solidworks as an IGES file. When saving an IGES file, open up "OPTIONS" and make sure that "Export Sketch Entities" is selected, other wise you will be unable to save the 3D sketch as an IGES file.
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